What Is the Story About?
Rachel (Priya Bhavanishankar) joins as a sub-editor in Alpha New channel. On her first assignment itself, she picks an emotionally charged story of brothers Kaaliyappan (Kishore) and Anjaiya (Aravind). They are given a death sentence in Kuwait and are about to be hanged.
What steps Rachel takes to help the brothers and stop capital punishment is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances?
Priya Bhavani shankar paints a picture of genuinely which is essential for the character. She puts in a sincere act, but that’s it. A blandness is seen with her throughout despite the effort. It is alright eventually for the story, but with a more compelling act, the drama could have been elevated further.
Analysis
Sarjun KM directs Blood Money. It takes inspiration from real-life events and weaves a tale of hope and redemption.
The beginning of the film is very tiring and lethargic, though. The different tracks are introduced in a not so engaging manner even though everyone acts well.
The movie takes off once Rachel is appointed as the sub-editor of the new channel. Obviously, the first assignment she takes is the one involving the brothers. The predictability of the whole thing is palpable, but the core emotions involving the brothers and the family has enough compelling quality to hold it together.
Once the ticking clock to hanging is set, Blood Money basically becomes a racing against time thriller. It is simple, Rachel has to find recipients of the ‘Blood Money’ and get a forgiving letter from them. It would then stop the brothers from getting hanged.
The idea is fine, but the way it’s executed leaves a lot to be desired. There is a lot that could have been added to make the drama compelling, but as there is a time limit, only the easiest routes and ways are picked. It doesn’t allow the narrative to reach its full potential.
Parts of the dramatic moments in the news studio setup allow for escalating conflict, but there are nipped in the bud. The thriller aspect mixed with the human angle is the only thing that sustains the curiosity.
The final half an hour is decent where the real truth is revealed. The journalist going all the way to save the brothers gives the best moments in the narrative.
The climax is neatly done, but the simple way in which the whole thing happens doesn’t give the emotional high. Also, many logics come out which mar the overall narrative. Not that they were felt before, but the impact is escalated as we reach the end.
Overall, Blood Money has a decent plot and interesting backdrop. The simplistic and earnest narrative makes the whole thing look flat. Still, for the premise and short length, it is a passable one time watch.
Other Artists?
Besides Priya Bhavanishankar, the only two actors who hold the attention are Kishore and Aravind. The former who is usually seen playing negative parts is a revelation as Kaaliyappan. He puts in a vulnerable and compelling act that is sure to touch the hearts. The same is true with the kid playing the daughter part and Aravind to a lesser degree.
The rest of the actors have a one-dimensional part. They are either black or white and lack anything memorable. Panchu Subbu is better among them, though mainly due to his presence.
Music and Other Departments?
The technical aspects of the movie are weak. The background score is alright given the low expectations on it from the start. The cinematography could have been a lot better given the set-up. The editing is okay. The writing is plain and lacks the depth required for a compelling drama.
Highlights?
Short Runtime
Core Plot
Some Emotional Moments
Drawbacks?
No Emotional Highs
Flat Narrative
Technical Departments
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, But Few Parts Only
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Blood Money Movie Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
